Dan Smith: President must have known of scandal at IRS

There are so many topics in the news to write about, that I had a hard time making a decision. I’m happy that so many of you appreciate my views, even if we disagree.

I really don’t mind a different point of view, as it opens up dialogue and the free exchange of ideas. I can still be your friend (if you desire) even though we look at things differently.

The case of the IRS. I’ve told you about this illegal organization for years now. It is a made-up organization that enforces the collection of funds from hard-working American citizens. It is an offshoot of the Federal Reserve which controls all of America’s banks.

Last week we found out that the IRS had been targeting certain conservative groups for additional scrutiny during the 2012 elections, particularly the Tea Party. Any organization that had certain words in their name like tea party or patriot, on their applications for tax-exempt status, was singled out for additional questioning.

What also brought this to my attention was the fact that it took place in my hometown of Cincinnati. It was said that low level employees started the actions. At last count, about 300 groups were on the list to be scrutinized.

I never would have thought that using the words patriot. 9/11 or tea party would brand someone as dissident for speaking out and giving their opinion on government spending or other government behavior.

The IRS deserves to be harshly criticized for its Orwellian tactics. Is it just me or are our rights slowly being eroded? I believe the Constitution permits every citizen to stand on their own soapbox and proclaim what is on their mind.

Many of the groups that applied for tax-exempt status still have not received word for approval for their applications. If this whole thing does not go back to the President as the initiator of these illegal and unconstitutional actions, I’ll be surprised.

It took constant probing and investigation to finally get the IRS to admit to what they were doing. Proof has been shown that the higher officials in the IRS knew of the intimidating and harassing behavior that was taking place.

By the time you read this, I guarantee that it will come out that they knew what was happening as far back as March 2010.

Also noteworthy is the fact that the IRS lied five separate times between Nov. 18, 2011 and June 10, 2012 about what was going on. They actually said that the groups known as the Tea Party and the like were not targeted. Now they admit they were.

Aren’t you tired of your government lying to you about all sorts of things? Remember the “weapons of mass destruction” in Iraq?

The reason Obama did not say anything or address this issue before the election when it happened was because it would have been a real hindrance to him getting re-elected. No candidate wants dirty laundry or scandal in the face of the people when they are getting ready to vote.

I’ve been a part of many presidential elections in my time and I have never seen so many dishonest displays from one administration. It’s one right after the other. Why can’t they just tell the truth?

President Obama is coming forth now to admit the mistakes, but only because they were caught with their hand in the cookie jar. He has no choice at this point. He said, “I have no patience for it. I will not tolerate it.” He said the IRS must not be “anything less than neutral in terms of how they operate.”

In case any of you have forgotten, President Nixon back in the 1970s used the IRS to go after his enemies. This is an impeachable offense for which he was charged. If Obama is proven to have been behind this kind of treasonous act, he too will be impeached.

Of course, Nixon did the right thing and resigned, whereas Democrat Clinton did not. This is still one of the biggest embarassments in U.S. history. Let’s see how this one plays out.

— Dan M. Smith is a Cincinnati native and Gatlinburg resident. He is the author of two novels. His son is serving in the Air Force. E-mail to dan0729@yahoo.com.